Many honored at St. Vincent de Paul volunteer appreciation dinner

To The Daily Sun,

The Laconia Conference of St. Vincent de Paul held its annual volunteer appreciation dinner on Monday, May 18. The affair was hosted and catered by Contigiani Catering Services at Peasant Ridge Country Club. The Contigiani's excellent cuisine and service were appreciated by all of the SVdP volunteers.

Approximately 110 volunteers who staff and manage the Conference's four programs — thrift store, food pantry, financial assistance program, and the Children's Foundation — attended the annual recognition of the volunteer service. As an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, such dedication is essential to the effectiveness and efficiency of St. Vincent de Paul in providing needed assistance to some many in the region. In its 24 years of existence, St. Vincent de Paul has never paid any wages or salaries, so more of our donations of clothing, furniture, and cash go directly for community support.

Six individuals received service awards: Teresa Farrara, Sylvia Dion, Rachel Allen, and Sydny Dowd for 20 years of volunteer service, and Jack Holland and Martha Levesque for 10 years of service. Many Lakes Region vendors provided door prizes for a raffle. We wish to thank Fratello's, Local Eatery, Prescott Florist, the Common Man organization, Home Comfort in Center Harbor, Meredith Bay Coffee House, Patrick's Pub & Eatery, Canoe Restaurant, Laconia Car Wash, China Garden, Ellacoya Barn & Grill, Winnipesaukee Bay Gulls, Laconia Village Bakery, and Hannaford's for their wonderful generosity.

On behalf of these many volunteers and the people we serve, I offer our sincere appreciation to all in the Lakes Region who have supported us. Many thanks.

Erika Johnson, President

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Laconia